EFFECT OF SCION STORAGE ON GRAFTING IN CASHEW (Anacardlum occldentale L.)

摘要

Collection and conservation of germplasm is very important in any crop improvement programme which is mostly dome through seeds. In cashew, a cross pollinated crop, collection and utilization of seed is of no value, in germplasm conservation as it gives a varying progeny, making it necessary to depend on vegetative propagation. As collection and transportation of grafts from distant places is difficult, collection of scion materials is the only means of vegetative propagation for the conservation ofcashew germplasm. It may not be always possible to do grafting on the same day of collection of scion sticks due to either long distance or other factors like scarcity of labour or unfavourable weather conditions. Under such circumstances, the scion materials are to be packed effectively before transportation or stored till it is used for grafting. The present study was undertaken in this background to study the effect of different storage techniques and to develop a low cost technique for maintaining the longevity of scion and there by maximizing the success of grafting.